Highways England launches A30 upgrade plan consultation period

UK-based Highways England has launched the public consultation period over the detailed plans of the proposed A30 Chiverton Cross to Carland Cross upgrade.

In July last year, the authority announced the preferred route for the £290m improvement scheme as a part of the government’s £15bn Road Investment Strategy.

The eight-mile stretch improvement project is expected to facilitate journey times eliminating traffic congestion in the region.

In the last one year, following the announcement of the preferred route, Highways England has been working with the respective landowners along the route to develop the design of the project.

Highways England project manager Josh Hodder said: “We recognise the strategic importance of improving this section of the A30 in helping to unlock economic growth in Cornwall and the whole of the region.

“We recognise the strategic importance of improving this section of the A30 in helping to unlock economic growth in Cornwall and the whole of the region.”

“We look forward to sharing our progressed plans with local stakeholders, businesses and the community, full details are available from today, and we welcome all feedback during consultation.

“The scheme offers a number of benefits to the area – as well as boosting the area’s economy, upgrading this stretch of the A30 is vital to improving motorists’ journeys, cutting congestion, improving safety and connecting local communities.”

The scheme will be partially funded by an £8m contribution from the European Regional Development Fund and an additional £12m for the construction phase.

The central government will bear the remaining cost for the scheme.

After completion of the consultation period, the scheme will proceed through the formal planning process.

Construction is expected to start in early 2020, subject to statutory approval under the 2008 Planning Act and also from the Secretary of State.